Camper van and caravan tourists told to book in advance or stay away from the Western Isles

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed a decision by CalMac to display a message on its website advising visitors to the Western Isles with caravans, motor-homes and camper vans that during the Covid-19 pandemic they should pre-book official camp-sites before travelling.

The Comhairle said that it had asked the ferry operator to post the message online after it had became apparent to the authority that its message to camper van and caravanners not to travel without pre-booking a site was being “largely ignored” and with resultant “adverse impacts on the local environment”.

The Comhairle has also confirmed that it wrote to Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, expressing concerns about “the significant increase” in camper vans and motor-homes travelling to the Western Isles since the easing of lockdown, and over the health and environmental concerns.

It added complaints had been received from local communities about ‘wild camping’ or ‘roadside camping’.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, chair of the Comhairle’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Any restriction on the numbers of camper vans and motor-homes to the Western Isles during these unprecedented times, that can be brought about, represents a responsible approach which does not impact adversely on the local environment and public health, while still in the local economic interest.”